Cylinder protection apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cover for a gas supplying apparatus is provided, comprising an elongated sleeve and a handle. The sleeve envelopes a portion of a tank of the apparatus, and has a longitudinal slit, closeable with a zipper mechanism. The cover is removable, and reusable. The sleeve is constructed of impact-absorbent material, and, has an open top and a closed bottom. A seam formed by attachment of a circular piece to the bottom of the sleeve is external. There is a closable strap which fits around a portion of the tank to secure the tank. There is an attachable tool. The sleeve includes a pouch to house the tool. The sleeve material is neoprene, of a green coloration when the tank contains oxygen, and has lettering comprising “OXYGEN”. The handle is a strap device attached to the sleeve which forms handholds to carry the tank in a balanced horizontal orientation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains generally to a device for a cylinder, and morespecifically a device for protecting and identifying a compressed gascylinder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suppliers and users of compressed gas cylinders, including thosecontaining oxygen for use in medical or therapeutic environments, facechallenges related to proper identification and use of the cylinders.Problems related to color confusion, illegible content labels, anduniversal gas flow-meter adaptors may lead to medical patientsinadvertently receiving medical gases other than oxygen for inhalation.

Currently, a trade association known as the Compressed Gas Association(CGA) recommends that when color coding is used, the color green be usedto designate medical oxygen. No specific shade, tone, or hue, of greenis mandated or recommended.

There are typically a number of medical gas suppliers that sell or leasecompressed gas cylinders to healthcare organizations within any givenmetropolitan area. To differentiate medical gas oxygen cylinders amongcompetitors, each supplier may use a different shade of green todesignate medical oxygen. Therefore, a single hospital may havecylinders of various shades of green coloration, all containing oxygen.Color coding is further complicated by ambient lighting levels whichsignificantly affect how a specific color of green is perceived by auser. In some lighting conditions, a green cylinder may look similar toa gray or black cylinder. In the medical field the color gray designatesthe cylinder contents as carbon dioxide and black designates cylindercontents as nitrogen. Varying oxygen cylinder colors and varying lightlevels may increase the likelihood that cylinders containing differentgases are confused.

Labeling used on compressed gas cylinders is intended to satisfyguidelines and regulations from agencies including the Department ofTransportation (DOT) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), andindependent organizations including the CGA. The CGA also recommendsthat labels be used to identify cylinder contents. Labels are typicallyprovided on oxygen cylinders at or near a shoulder of the cylinder.Typically, printing on a label is not legible when viewed from adistance greater than a few feet away from the cylinder. Small fontsizes used on a label may result in a healthcare provider relying solelyupon the color of the cylinder to identify the contents.

Medical gas cylinders use flow regulators, comprising gauges, valves,and flow meters that are specific to the type of gas, e.g. oxygen andcarbon dioxide. Medical gas cylinders in the United States utilize a pinindexing system to facilitate gas identification. The pin indexingsystem is recommended by CGA and Standard No. 99 from the National FireProtection Association (NFPA). When the cylinder pins are in good repairit is not possible to connect an oxygen flow meter to a carbon dioxidecylinder. However, the pin indexing system can be overcome when pins arebroken or a universal adaptor is used, thus facilitating use of anincorrect flow meter or regulating device. Therefore, a system relyingon color and pin indexing have been shown to be insufficient toeliminate medical gas mix-ups.

Most medical gas cylinders have two separate valves or metering devicesto control gas flow. A primary flow control valve is located on a valvestem of the cylinder, and is an integral component thereof. A cylinderwrench, or key, is typically used to open and close the primary flowcontrol valve. A secondary flow control valve, or regulator, istypically downstream of the valve stem. The secondary flow control valveis used to meter the rate of gas flowing out of the cylinder. Such adouble-valve configuration makes it possible to trap gas pressurebetween the primary valve and secondary flow control valve, thus makingit appear to the user that the primary control valve is open. Thecylinder wrench or key must be used to open the cylinder to permit gasflow. This wrench is typically a separate component.

A pressure gage is preferably an element of each regulator or flowmetering device, and is used to determine an amount of gas remaining inthe cylinder. A person can use a measure of cylinder pressure and rateof flow to determine an amount of time remaining for using a specificcylinder to provide oxygen to a patient. The user must know that “X”pressure at “Y” flow rate translates to “Z” minutes of oxygen remaining.This is critical when the patient is being transported for tests andpiped oxygen is not available. However, translation of pressure and flowrate to an amount of time of remaining oxygen requires either knowledgeof factors for the above equation or some form of readily availableconversion chart or table.

In view of the above-identified concerns and issues, there is a need fora device which addresses the concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the object of this invention, a device is providedcomprising a cover for a gas supplying apparatus, comprising anelongated sleeve, and a handle. The elongated sleeve is suitable forcovering a substantial portion of a tank of the gas supplying apparatus,and has a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of thesleeve which runs along a portion thereof. The sleeve material is of anexternal coloration suitable to indicate contents of the tank, withlettering suitable to indicate contents of the tank.

An aspect of the invention includes the cover being removable, andreusable.

Another aspect of the invention includes the elongated sleeveconstructed of impact-absorbent material, and, having a top portion anda bottom portion, said bottom being closed and said top being open. Thebottom portion being closed further comprises a circular piece attachedat an end of the elongated sleeve, with the circular piece beingattached to the elongated sleeve around and near an outer circumferenceof the circular piece. A seam formed by attachment of the circular pieceto the elongated sleeve is substantially external.

Another aspect of the invention includes the top portion having aclosable strap which fits around a portion of the tank, and, secures thetank within the sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention includes the slit, which comprises aclosure mechanism assembled within the slit, with the closure mechanismcomprising a zipper device.

Another aspect of the invention comprises an attached tool useable withthe gas supplying apparatus. The sleeve includes a pouch to house theattached tool.

Another aspect of the invention includes the sleeve material beingneoprene, and, being of a green coloration when the intended contents ofthe tank comprise medical oxygen. The sleeve has lettering comprisingthe word “OXYGEN” oriented along the longitudinal axis of the sleevewhen the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.Furthermore, there may be digitally discernible lettering comprising theword “OXYGEN”.

Another aspect of the invention includes the sleeve having letteringsuitable to indicate a pressure/flow/time conversion chart.

Another aspect of the invention includes the handle comprising a strapdevice, formed as a substantially continuous piece, and, attached to theelongated sleeve at a plurality of locations. The strap device formshandholds suitable for carrying the gas supplying apparatus in asubstantially horizontal orientation when the gas supplying apparatuscomprises the tank and an attached flow regulating device. The strapdevice is preferably placed within and attached to the sleeve on aninside surface of the sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention includes the sleeve of a length suitableto prevent shrouding of content identifiers located on a shoulder of thegas supplying apparatus.

Another aspect of the invention includes means for preventing rollingwhen the device containing the gas supplying apparatus is in ahorizontal orientation.

Another aspect of the invention includes a cover for a gas supplyingapparatus suitable for medical oxygen, comprising an elongated sleeve,suitable for covering a portion of a tank of the gas supplyingapparatus. The sleeve has a slit oriented substantially along alongitudinal axis of the sleeve, and running along at least a portionthereof. The sleeve material is of a coloration suitable to indicate thecontents of the tank comprise oxygen, with lettering indicating thecontents of the tank comprise oxygen.

Another aspect of the invention includes a cover for a gas storage tankcontaining medical oxygen, comprising: an elongated sleeve, suitable forcovering a substantial portion of the tank. The sleeve includes a slitsubstantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and runningalong at least a portion thereof, and has a pouch integrated onto thesleeve. There is an attachable tool, useable with the gas storage tankand storable in the pouch, and a handle, comprising a strap deviceattached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations such thathandholds are formed suitable for carrying the gas storage tank in asubstantially horizontal orientation.

Another aspect of the invention includes a cover for a gas supplyingapparatus comprising a tank and a flow regulator. The cover comprises anelongated sleeve: suitable for covering a substantial portion of thetank, and, of a length suitable to prevent shrouding of contentidentifiers located on a shoulder of the tank. The sleeve has a slitoriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, andrunning along at least a portion thereof, and a top portion and a bottomportion. The bottom is closed and the top is open. There is a closablestrap, located at the top portion of the sleeve, fittable around acircumference of the tank, and, operable to secure the tank within thesleeve. There is a handle, comprising a strap device attached to theelongated sleeve such that handholds are formed suitable for carryingthe gas storage tank in a substantially horizontal orientation. There isan attached tool useable with the gas supplying apparatus.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detaileddescription of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail andillustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, andwherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a cylinder protection apparatus,in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an element of the cylinder protectionapparatus, in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary tables, in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating the invention only and not for the purpose of limitingthe same, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows detailed aspects of an apparatus which hasbeen constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The invention comprises a removable, reusable cover 10 for aportable gas supplying apparatus 2. In the embodiment detailed herein,the exemplary portable gas supplying apparatus 2 comprises apressurizable tank 4 for storing oxygen useable in a medical ortherapeutic environment with an attached flow regulating device. Thetank 4 includes a tank valve 8. The flow regulating device includes apressure gauge 9, and a flow regulator 6 for controlling magnitude ofgas flow out of the tank 4 when valve 8 is open. There is preferably alabel 5 attached to the tank 4 on a shoulder portion that identifiescontents of the tank 4, in this embodiment oxygen.

The cover 10 comprises an elongated sleeve 11 crafted from ofimpact-absorbent material that is suitable for covering a substantialportion of the tank 4 of gas supplying apparatus 2. The sleeve 11includes a slit 12 oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the sleeve, running along at least a portion thereof. Asillustrated in the figures, the slit preferably runs completely througha top, open portion 16 at one end and terminates at a point prior to theopposing, bottom portion 18 at the other end. Alternatively, the slitmay terminate toward both ends of the sleeve without running completelythrough either end of the sleeve. A closure mechanism 14 comprising, forexample, a zipper device, a hook and loop (e.g. VELCRO®) device or othersuitable reusable closure mechanism, is preferably associated with theslit 12. When the slit is opened, the tank 4 can be readily insertedinto the sleeve 11, or removed therefrom. When the tank 4 is insertedinto the sleeve 11 the closure mechanism 14 is closed to secure the tank4 within the sleeve 11.

A closing device 20 is located near the top portion 16 in theillustrated embodiment which includes a slit running completely throughthe top, open portion 16. Closing device 20 is operable to close andsecure contiguous sides of the slit 12 at the top portion of the sleeve11 when the tank 4 is inserted therein. The closing device 20 cancomprise a hook and loop (e.g. VELCRO®) device, or other device suitablefor closing the contiguous sides of the slit 12 which are located at thetop 16 of the sleeve around the tank 4 and securing the tank therein.Other suitable devices may comprise a drawstring device, or a strap andbuckle mechanism, among others.

The bottom portion 18 is preferably closed by a substantially circularpiece of the impact-absorbent material that is attached at the bottomend of the elongated sleeve 11. The circular piece is preferablyattached to the elongated sleeve around an outer circumference of thebottom portion 18, near the outer circumference of the circular piece.Attachment of the circular piece to the elongated sleeve is preferablymade by forming a substantially external, continuous seam 19 at ajunction of the sleeve and the circular piece around the outercircumference of the circular piece. The external seam allows formationof a broad, outwardly extending footprint for the cover 10, providingthe cover 10 with the gas supplying apparatus 2 inserted to standupright and on end with enhanced stability.

The sleeve is preferably constructed using an impact-absorbent materialsuch as neoprene, having an external coloration 26 suitable to indicatecontents of the tank 4, in this instance being the color green formedical oxygen. Marking 22 is placed on the sleeve which indicatescontents of the tank. Marking can comprise vertical or horizontallettering, or other suitable lettering which preferably permits readingof the lettering from a single perspective. The marking on the sleevepreferably comprises the word “OXYGEN” oriented along the longitudinalaxis of the sleeve when the intended contents of the tank comprisemedical oxygen. Font and font size of the lettering is preferably ablock style font, of a size that is readily viewable from a distance andvisually discernable by human and machine vision. Lettering may beformed by a known process such as silk-screening. Lettering material maybe any one of a number of materials, including inks which arereflective, contrasting with the background coloring of the sleeve orphosphorescent to allow ready visualization and identification in areaswith limited lighting. Furthermore, there may be lettering on the sleeveof a form of tactilely discernible lettering, such as Braille,comprising the word “OXYGEN” when the intended contents of the tankcomprise medical oxygen. Alternative markings may include universallyrecognizable symbology to indicate tank contents, for example “02” toindicate oxygen and “N20” to indicate nitrous oxide.

The sleeve 10 preferably further includes attached lettering or graphicssuitable to indicate a pressure/flow/time conversion, preferably locatednear the top portion 16. Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an exemplarypressure/flow/time conversion chart useable with the tank 4 whencontaining medical oxygen. The pressure/flow/time conversion chart isuseable to provide an amount of time the tank can provide oxygen at agiven flow rate. In an alternate embodiment, a pocket is formed on thesleeve at a suitable location wherein a removable document containing asuitable pressure/flow/time conversion chart can be stored for use. Sucha pocket may be translucent such that the contents may be viewedtherethrough. Furthermore, an identification device can be attached orinserted at a suitable location on the sleeve, including within such apocket, which contains cylinder-specific information useable forinventory management and other reasons. The identification device cancomprise a serial number, bar code, radio-frequency identification tagor other known identification devices. Other lettering may include,e.g., warning labels, usage labels, and supplier information.

Referring to FIG. 3, a tool 44 is described. The tool 44 is useable withthe tank 4, or with the regulator 6 of the gas supplying apparatus 2,and is attachable to the sleeve 10 at a convenient point, using alanyard 42. The tool 44 preferably comprises a wrench-like device havingone or more openings 46 that fit on an adjustment nut of the tank valve8 to control flow therefrom. The tool is preferably constructed of alightweight, durable composite material, e.g. plastic, and of a colorsimilar to the color of the sleeve. A portion of the tool 44 at whichthe openings 46 are located is preferably reinforced by increasing thethickness thereof. An operator is able to apply one of openings 46 ofthe tool 44 to the adjustment nut of the tank valve, and apply a torqueto the tool 44 to open or close the tank valve 8. Adjustment nuts areunique to each application of a gas storage tank, i.e., a tank foroxygen has a different adjustment nut than one for carbon dioxide, thusrequiring a different adjustment tool. The tool 44 preferably has asecond opening 48 to which an end of the lanyard 42 is preferablypermanently attached. The lanyard 42 preferably comprises a string-likedevice, constructed any one of several elastic materials, of suitablelength, and an end of the lanyard distal to the end attached to the toolis attached to the cover 10. The cover 10 includes an integrated pouch40 suitable to house the attached tool 44 when it is not in use. Thepouch 40 comprises a pocket-shaped device, is preferably constructed ofmaterial similar in properties and color to the sleeve, and, is sewn orstitched to the sleeve at a location near the top 16 of the sleeve 111near the valve 8 of the tank 4. The pouch 40 is preferably of a sizethat accommodates all or a substantial portion of the tool 44. Thedistal end of the lanyard 42 is preferably attached to the sleeve 11 ata convenient location near the pouch 40. The pouch and the tool 44 arelocated close to the valve 8 of the tank when the tank is inserted inthe cover 10. By so placing the lanyard 42 and tool 44, length of thelanyard 42 can be limited to prevent interference during use.Alternatively, the distal end of the lanyard 42 may be attached to thesleeve at the pouch 40, thus facilitating storing the lanyard 42 in thepouch 40 when not in use.

The cover 10 includes a handle 30, preferably comprising a strap deviceof suitable material which is formed as a substantially continuouspiece, and attached to the elongated sleeve 11. Referring again to FIGS.1 and 2, the continuous strap device is laid out and stitched with knownstitching techniques to an inner portion of the sleeve 11, with portionsof the handle 30 oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of thesleeve 11. The handle 30 is laid out and stitched to an inside surfaceportion of the sleeve in specific locations along lines 32, 34 in afashion which permits creation of handholds in the handle 30. Stitchingthe handle 30 to the inside surface of the sleeve is done to prevent thehandle 30 from interfering with application of lettering on the outsideof the sleeve, among other reasons. Furthermore, the handle 30 is laidout and stitched to the sleeve along lines 32, 34 such that alongitudinal center of gravity of the gas supplying apparatus 2 ispreferably located proximate lines 32 and line 34, and more preferablybetween line 32 and line 34 when the gas supplying apparatus 2 isproperly inserted into the cover device. Locating the handles of thehandle 30 in such a manner facilitates carrying the gas supplyingapparatus 2, including the tank 4 with attached regulator 6, in asubstantially balanced, horizontal orientation.

The cover 10 is preferably operable to prevent rolling of the tank 4 andcover 10 when stored in a horizontal orientation. Rolling can beprevented by creating an amount of eccentricity in the cover 10 along acircular cross-section that is formed when the tank 4 is insertedtherein (not shown). The eccentricity can include an elevated seam inthe area around the slit 12 with assembled zipper 14 (not shown). Theeccentricity can include an elevated seam created in the sleeve runningparallel to the longitudinal axis (not shown). The eccentricity caninclude the pouch 40 formed in an elevated fashion. The inventionincludes other constructions for forming an eccentricity in thecross-section of the gas supplying apparatus 2 and cover 10 to preventrolling.

Specific details of an exemplary embodiment of the invention aredescribed below. The sleeve 10 is sized to fit snugly over a standardgas supplying apparatus 2 comprising a compressed gas E-sized cylinder 4and regulator 6 containing medical oxygen. E-cylinders have a nominalcircumference of 33.8 cm (13¼″ inches). The sleeve, including the bottomsection, is preferably constructed of neoprene fabric that is about 1.5mm in thickness, and of a forest green coloration 26 with a black nylonbacking. The exemplary sleeve has dimensions of 563 mm (22¼ inches) tall±3.175 mm (⅛ inch), and of a circumference that is sized to incorporatestretching of the sleeve fabric. The pouch 40 is preferably also of thesame neoprene or similar material. The exemplary handle 30 is made of awhite, polypropylene fabric or a nylon fabric that is 25.4 mm (1 inch)in width with a tensile strength of about 440 kPa (200 pounds). Thelettering 22 is applied using a known silk screening technique, withwhite ink. The silk screen design and ink is preferably compatible withthe stretchable neoprene fabric, and is machine-washable. The stitchingpreferably comprises a known double-stitching technique (or equivalent)for attaching the strap 30 to the neoprene sleeve 10, the zipper 14 tothe neoprene sleeve 10 at slit 12, and the base 18 to the sleeve. Otherstitching is preferably of sufficient strength and quality to ensure theseams do not open during use. It is preferable to use a zigzag stitch tocreate the seam 19 between the base 18 and the sleeve 10, thus providinga clean finished look. The zipper 14 preferably comprises a known designhaving a plastic slider, and being self-lubricating andabrasion-resistant. The lanyard 42 for the attached wrench 44 preferablycomprises a known stretchable material approximately 2 to 3 mm (⅛ inch)in width and approximately 35 cm (14 inches) long, attached at one endto the wrench 44 and at the other end to the sleeve 10. The wrench 44 ispreferably made of hardened plastic; approximately 114 mm (4½ inches) inlength, 19 mm (¾ inch) in width, and 3 mm (⅛ inch) in thickness. It hasan opening 48 at one end for attaching the aforementioned lanyard 42.The other end of the wrench features two openings 46 offset by 90degrees and molded to fit the stem of valve 8 on the oxygen cylinder 4.

The invention has been described with specific reference to thepreferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modificationsand alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding thespecification. It is intended to include all such modifications andalterations insofar as they come within the scope of the invention.

1. Apparatus for a compressed gas tank, comprising: an elongated sleeve,suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank, said sleevehaving a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of thesleeve and running along at least a portion thereof, external colorationsuitable to indicate contents of the tank, and external marking suitableto indicate contents of the tank; and, a handle.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the slit runs at least a majority of the length of thesleeve.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external markingcomprises tactilely discernible features.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the external marking comprises visually discernible features. 5.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover is removable.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the cover is reusable.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the elongated sleeve comprises impact-absorbentmaterial.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the elongated sleeve isclosed at a bottom portion thereof.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 whereinthe bottom portion of the sleeve is closed by a substantially circularpiece attached to the elongated sleeve substantially proximate an outercircumference of the circular piece.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9wherein a seam formed by attachment of the circular piece to theelongated sleeve is substantially external the sleeve.
 11. The apparatusof claim 8 wherein the elongated sleeve is open at a top portionthereof, the slit runs completely through the top portion, and furthercomprising a closable strap effective to secure contiguous sides of theslit at the top portion of the sleeve.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the slit comprises a closure mechanism.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12 when the closure mechanism comprises a zipper device.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising an externally accessible pocket.15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tool tethered to thesleeve and suitable for use with flow control valves associated with thetank.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising an externallyaccessible pouch suitable for storage of the tethered tool.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises neoprene.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the external coloration is a greencoloration when the intended contents of the tank comprise medicaloxygen.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external markingcomprises visually discernible marking.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19wherein said visually discernible marking indicates the intendedcontents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.
 21. The apparatus of claim1 wherein said external marking comprises visually discernible markingincluding the word “OXYGEN” when the intended contents of the tankcomprise medical oxygen.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidexternal marking comprises tactilely discernible marking.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 22 wherein said tactilely discernible markingindicates the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen. 24.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external marking comprisestactilely discernible marking including the word “OXYGEN” when theintended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.
 25. The apparatusof claim 1 further comprises marking suitable to indicate apressure/flow/time relationship of the intended contents of the tank.26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises a strap deviceformed as a substantially continuous piece and attached to the elongatedsleeve at a plurality of locations.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26further comprising the strap device attached to the elongated sleeve ata plurality of locations to form handholds suitable for carrying thetank in a substantially balanced horizontal orientation.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 27 wherein the strap device is attached to the sleeveat the plurality of locations on an inside surface of the sleeve. 29.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein sleeve length is suitable to preventshrouding of markings on a shoulder of the tank.
 30. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising means for preventing rolling when the tank isin a horizontal orientation.
 31. Cover for a gas supplying apparatussuitable for medical oxygen, comprising: an elongated sleeve suitablefor covering a substantial portion of a tank of the gas supplyingapparatus, said sleeve having a slit substantially oriented to alongitudinal axis of the sleeve and running along at least a portionthereof, external coloration suitable to indicate the contents of thetank comprise oxygen, and external marking suitable to indicate thecontents of the tank comprise oxygen.
 32. Utility kit for a gas storagetank containing medical oxygen, comprising: an elongated sleeve suitablefor covering a substantial portion of the tank, said sleeve having aslit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve andrunning along at least a portion thereof, and a pouch; a tool useablewith the gas storage tank and storable in the pouch; and, a handlecomprising a strap device attached to the elongated sleeve at aplurality of locations such that handholds are formed suitable forcarrying the gas storage tank in a substantially balanced horizontalorientation.
 33. The utility kit of claim 32 wherein the sleeve isconstructed of an impact-resistant material having external colorationsuitable to indicate the contents of the tank comprise oxygen, andhaving marking indicating the contents of the tank comprise oxygen. 34.Cover for a gas supplying apparatus including a tank and a flowregulator, comprising: an elongated sleeve suitable for covering asubstantial portion of the tank and having a length suitable to preventshrouding of markings located on a shoulder of the tank, the sleevehaving a slit oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of thesleeve and running along at least a portion thereof, the sleeve having atop portion and a bottom portion, said bottom portion being closed andsaid top portion being open; a closable strap located at the top portionof the sleeve, fittable around a circumference of the tank, and operableto secure the tank within the sleeve; a handle including a strap deviceattached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations such thathandholds are formed suitable for carrying the gas supplying apparatusin a substantially balanced horizontal orientation; and, a tool useablewith the gas supplying apparatus.